Home » News » News Briefs » Brits ban booze contests

Brits ban booze contests

British officials have banned drinking contests in licensed establishments to lower health risks associated with over consumption, due to the country’s lack of product price control.

“Statistically, Britain has always had a larger drinking culture [than Canada]. This culture is related to its lack of ‘floor pricing.’ The cheaper the alcohol the more people are going to drink,” Bob Peter, president and chief executive officer of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, said.

Although Peter approved of the ban, he mentioned it will not have a major effect on the profits of bars as individuals will continue to drink.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario also has similar laws in effect to curb excessive drinking.

“The AGCO is responsible for protecting people from the dangers of excessive drinking. Activities associated with drinking contests — official or not — contradict the Liquor License Act and are therefore illegal in Ontario,” Lisa Murray, senior manager of communications for AGCO, stated.

The ban followed a voluntary adoption in 2005 of the Irresponsible Promotions Code, which impeded the promotion of over consumption including all-you-can-drink offers.

While bars across Britain agreed precautions should be taken to discourage over consumption, they felt officials are wrongly targeting licensed establishments considering the majority of alcohol is being sold through supermarkets. The law banning drinking contests in Britain is expected to be passed later this year.

—Monica Blaylock

Follow the Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.